Last year I decided not to give a final exam on the last day of school. I decided this was not how I wanted to end my time with my students (them being silent, taking a test).
My students did have two final exams (prior to the final day of school) -- a vocabulary final and one on Othello.
Instead of a final on the last day, students were asked to polish something they have written this year and read it out loud to the class. Most opt to read a goodbye letter to their class. These tend to be the most sincere readings. I also write something different for each of my classes to be read aloud.
I started ending my year this way last year, and I continued this again this year. I am glad I did. Being able to hear EVERY single voice in that room on the last day is special. I prefer this to silence. We sit in a circle in desks and listen as each person reads their piece. No interruptions...just undivided attention to honor each voice.
This year, each class had a special reading in their own way. The class that got me, however, was 7th hour. Most of my classes had a "family" vibe...some more than others. My 7th hour was the most close knit overall. I don't know why this seems to happen. I am the same teacher each hour, but the dynamic of a class is an interesting phenomenon.
It didn't take long for me to tear up in 7th hour. Once we got to Claire, many of us listening cried. I wish you all could have been in the room. It was something special. I can't even fully describe this to give the moment the justice it deserves.
It was a moment.
I am proud to have been their teacher this year.
Writing -- it's a powerful thing.
My students did have two final exams (prior to the final day of school) -- a vocabulary final and one on Othello.
Instead of a final on the last day, students were asked to polish something they have written this year and read it out loud to the class. Most opt to read a goodbye letter to their class. These tend to be the most sincere readings. I also write something different for each of my classes to be read aloud.
I started ending my year this way last year, and I continued this again this year. I am glad I did. Being able to hear EVERY single voice in that room on the last day is special. I prefer this to silence. We sit in a circle in desks and listen as each person reads their piece. No interruptions...just undivided attention to honor each voice.
This year, each class had a special reading in their own way. The class that got me, however, was 7th hour. Most of my classes had a "family" vibe...some more than others. My 7th hour was the most close knit overall. I don't know why this seems to happen. I am the same teacher each hour, but the dynamic of a class is an interesting phenomenon.
It didn't take long for me to tear up in 7th hour. Once we got to Claire, many of us listening cried. I wish you all could have been in the room. It was something special. I can't even fully describe this to give the moment the justice it deserves.
It was a moment.
I am proud to have been their teacher this year.
Writing -- it's a powerful thing.
Prompt: When was the last time your experienced a special moment in a classroom? Describe what happened.